Byron Scott's tenure in Cleveland could be over after Wednesday's finale

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott's three-year tenure in Cleveland could be over after tonight's season finale in Charlotte.

Rumors are swirling he'll be relieved of his duties sometime after the Bobcats game.

Scott is 64-165 in the Cavs' chapter of his coaching career (.279). He has one year left on his contract worth an estimated $4.5 million.

After the Cavs' 96-95 loss to Miami on Monday, he got a bit defiant about his job.

Advertisement

"I will be back next year," Scott said.

Scott was then pressed if he's been told by the team he will be back in 2012-13.

"I have a year left on my contract," he said. "That's how I approach it."

Cavs guard Kyrie Irving danced around the subject when he was asked about Scott's job security last week. He was a bit more direct on Monday.

"Absolutely, I want coach Scott back," he said.

Cavs guard Daniel Gibson said he'd also love to see Scott back in Cleveland next season.

"That's for you guys to write about and for the head guys to talk about," he said. "I know he's a great coach and a great person. I would love to see him back and get an opportunity to coach a full group."

Gibson said he'd love to re-sign with the Cavs. He'll be one of seven potential unrestricted free agents on July 1. The others are forward Omri Casspi (if he's not given a qualifying offer, as expected), forward Kevin Jones, guard Shaun Livingston, guard Chris Quinn, forward Luke Walton and center Marreese Speights (if he opts out).

Guard Wayne Ellington will likely be a restricted free agent.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Gibson has appeared in just 46 games this season. He's averaged 5.4 points, his lowest since his rookie year in 2006-07, and 1.8 assists. He's shooting 34 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from behind the arc, career lows in both categories.

This is his seventh and probably last season with the Cavs.

"I never communicated with them about what we'd be doing (after this season)," Gibson said. "I wanted this year to be strictly about basketball. After the season is over, we'll talk to them about what the plans are for moving forward."

He came to the team as a second-round pick in the 2006 draft.

"I love it here," Gibson said. "I love the guys here. I love the idea of winning a championship. To me, it's about grinding, grinding and grinding and it being special when you finally do it.

"I'd love to come back and keep fighting with these guys."

The 27-year-old just couldn't stay healthy this season. He missed time with a sore right elbow, right ankle sprain, concussion, sprained right big toe, illness and a personal matter.

"It's been my toughest by far," Gibson said. "I was healthy at the beginning. From that point on, I wasn't able to stay healthy. I wasn't able to get back in the rotation. This is probably my toughest season as an NBA player."

Irving apologizes

Irving ran off the court after Monday's game and didn't participate in the fan appreciation night festivities. On Tuesday, he addressed the matter on Twitter.

"I want to personally apologize to all the Cavs fans for my actions yesterday," he tweeted. "It was truly unfair to you guys, I'm very appreciative for all of you guys, your love and passion for the organization and city is what pushes me to be great."